A Sump Pump Failure in Your Crawl Space

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The majority of homes built today are built on concrete or block foundations which are vulnerable to damages brought on by water intrusion, which can cause significant damage to the structure. Even a slight rise in water levels can cause a foundation to sag, for which a foundation repair is required. Foundation problems that go untreated for too long can also result in structural damage which will require foundation repair. If left unattended, the effects of water intrusion will eventually lead to the complete collapse of the home's foundation, known as a basement leak. In most cases, repairing a leaking foundation begins with determining the source of the problem, and then determining a solution that will correct the damage without compromising the integrity of the home's foundation. Please check out more details regarding the Bay Crawlspace and Foundation Repair here .

Moisture is the primary culprit in causing most leaks in the crawl space and house foundations. Loose soil along a foundation's floor and walls is common in most areas because drainage is poor. In wet climates, such as those found in much of the United States, soil is often moist enough to act as a sponge, soaking up moisture from the ground and redistributing it into the air. Consequently, soggy, loose soil will collect moisture from the atmosphere and expand into a caving depression which allows for water penetration. As the area around a house or structure becomes damp, mold and mildew can begin to grow.

One of the easiest ways to prevent foundation damage and the associated problems that come with it, is through proper foundation repair. When a home is built, plans for its foundation are typically included with the purchase agreement. Unfortunately, most home buyers do not pay close attention to the conditions of their crawl space, and may not even be aware of issues with their foundation until a problem surfaces. A foundation repair is much more affordable than replacing an entire foundation, and it can easily be undertaken on your own. Many foundation repairs can be completed by a homeowner, saving them the cost of a foundation contractor.

The most common problem seen with homes with poor foundations is a sump pump failure. A sump pump is designed to keep water from rising through the home's foundation to the exterior. When water levels rise in the basement, the sump pump is designed to lower the water down by releasing it into a collection reservoir, and then to the soil. If the sump pump fails, it can result in the flooding of a basement that could cost thousands of dollars to repair. You can read this for more knowledge about block foundations .

Another possibility for a failing sump pump is a clogged drainage hole. This is particularly common in properties located near industrial areas or in places that see high volume of rainfall. It occurs when heavy rainfall penetrates the soil around a home, making it impossible for the water to be removed through the normal channels. A blocked drain hole can result in a slow water flow from the sump pump, causing excess humidity levels in the basement. In addition to causing excess moisture in the basement, a blocked drain hole can also cause pipes to become freeze dried, which can lead to devastating heating and plumbing bills. If pipes are frozen, they will not able to be repaired quickly, and this can cause major damage to your home's heating system.

No matter what type of drainage hole you find, you should always fix it. Remember that water moves through the earth, and ignoring an issue with your pipes just because it is dark out is not the best idea. The best way to address a sump pump failure in your crawl space is to call a professional immediately. Remember that your safety comes first, so do not move anything until you feel confident in your ability to fix the problem. Do not wait to experience the consequences of a bad plumbing job! Explore more about foundation engineering here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Foundation_(engineering) .